Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the distribution of illicit drugs and adulterated ethanol, saying the government is significantly escalating its crackdown on alcohol and substance abuse across the country.
Speaking on Saturday, Murkomen described 2026 as a defining year in Kenya’s fight against drugs and illegal alcohol, as authorities move to dismantle criminal networks that profit from addiction and social decay.
“This is the year we are liberating our youth from the yoke of drug and substance abuse,” Murkomen said.
He noted that the government will intensify efforts to identify, disrupt, and dismantle syndicates involved in trafficking illicit drugs and distributing toxic brews.
Murkomen revealed that he plans to meet Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to discuss the operationalization of a directive issued by President William Ruto to strengthen the Anti-Narcotics Unit.
The directive, announced during the President’s New Year address, includes plans to recruit an additional 500 officers to boost the unit’s capacity.
Drug abuse a threat to national development
Murkomen said the government views alcohol and substance abuse as a serious threat to national development, particularly because it affects Kenya’s most productive population.
“There is no country that can achieve first-world status when its most productive population is trapped in alcohol and substance abuse,” he said.
He also called on county governments to play a more active role by establishing at least one rehabilitation centre in every county, aimed at treatment, recovery, and reintegration of people struggling with drug and alcohol dependency.
Anti-Narcotics Unit set for major expansion
Under plans outlined by President Ruto, the government will expand and strengthen the Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The unit’s workforce is expected to grow from about 200 officers to 700, alongside enhanced investment in surveillance, intelligence gathering, forensic analysis, and financial investigations.
President Ruto said the expanded unit will prioritize high-level drug trafficking networks and illicit alcohol syndicates, while also tracing, seizing, and forfeiting assets linked to the trade.
He added that any assets recovered through these operations will be redirected to rehabilitation, prevention, and treatment programmes.
The President also issued a strong warning to public officials, saying any government or security officer found colluding with drug traffickers will face prosecution and immediate dismissal from public service.
Alcohol and drugs declared national emergency
In his New Year address delivered from Eldoret State Lodge on December 31, President Ruto declared alcohol and drug abuse a national emergency, citing its damaging effects on public health, national security, productivity, and social stability.
He referenced data showing that a significant proportion of Kenyans aged 15 to 65 use at least one substance of abuse, with millions affected nationwide. The President noted that harmful substance use often begins at a young age.
“This crisis demands decisive national action,” Ruto said.
He outlined a multi-agency strategy focused on enforcement, prevention, and coordinated government response to curb the growing crisis.
Authorities say they have already conducted nationwide enforcement operations targeting illicit drugs and illegal alcohol in recent months, leading to arrests and the destruction of seized substances in line with the law, as the government signals a tougher stance on the drug trade.
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